 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
The
Shapwick Coin Hoard
Whilst metal detecting at Shapwick, Somerset, in
September 1998, cousins Martin and Kevin Elliott
discovered the largest hoard of Roman silver denarii
ever found in Britain. Excavation of the findspot by
Somerset County Council archaeologists established that
the 9,238 coins had been buried in the corner of a room
of a previously unknown Roman building. Subsequent
fieldwalking, geophysical survey by English Heritage and
excavation revealed the room to be part of a courtyard
villa.
 The
coins range in date from Mark Antony (32-31 BC) to
emperor Severus Alexander (AD 222 - 235). The hoard was
buried in about AD 224. Seventy five per cent of the
coins date to the Severan dynasty (post AD 193) and are
in remarkable condition. The vast majority of the coins
are from the mint of Rome. Exceptions are the coins of
Mark Antony, which were probably struck at a mint
travelling with his legions in Greece and a proportion
of the Severan coins struck in Syria or Alexandria. Many
emperors, famous and infamous, and family members appear
on the coins. The reverses depict an enormous range of
classical gods, goddesses, personifications, battle
victories, imperial events and journeys and public works.
Why not pay a visit to see and learn more about the
Shapwick Hoard and much, much more. |
|
 |
 Easy to Find!
The
Somerset County Museum is easy to find as it is situated
in the heart of the town centre. In the Castle Green
area and Fore Street you will find great places to to
eat in, eat out, drink in and drink out. So why not make
a day of it and have fun for all the family. |
|
|
|
|
|
Please note that the Museum is closed to the public for
a refit and will re-open as the
